One of South Africa's most famous black actors, Mokae's quiet strength, charm and resilient good humor have animated the searing theatrical productions ("The Blood Knot", "Boesman and Lena") of his white countryman, Athol Fugard with whom he founded the radical theater group, the Rehearsal Room in the 1950s. Since he left South Africa and settled in the USA in 1969, Mokae has turned in powerful supporting roles in films including "Cry Freedom" (1987) and "A Dry White Season" (1989). He received a Tony Award for his turn on Broadway opposite Danny Glover and Lonny Price in Fugard's "Master Harold...and the boys" (1982).